Basketball Business Manager Gets 3 Years In Prison

On November 1, 2010, Nathan Peake, a manager for professional boxers and basketball players (including Steve Francis and Ty Lawson), was booked for tax evasion. The government was interested in learning why Peake had not filed income tax returns between 2000 and 2007. Furthermore, he was charged with preparing false tax returns and obstructing the IRS. It was believed that at least $5.8 million was transfered from his Peake Management Group business account to his personal savings.

On March 21, 2011, Peake pled guilty to tax evasion, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Based on his actions, which included the misuse of a $3.5 million commercial credit line from a former client, Peake could have received up to 10 years in prison. As was reported last week by the Washington Examiner, Peake will serve time in prison, but it will be a 3 year sentence instead of the maximum of 10 years.

Peake grew up on the streets of northwest Washington D.C., and later became known for helping young athletes transition from the same streets to basketball courts and institutions of higher education. It is rather unfortunate that someone who cares about helping disadvantaged children failed to pay his taxes and now ends up in prison for a few years. No one is invincible; the IRS will eventually get you even if you escape their reach for a small amount of time. As stated by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.,

“Nathan Peake’s efforts at tax evasion were much less successful than the careers of the professional athletes he managed. Today’s sentence sends the unmistakable message that everyone – especially those bringing in millions in income – must pay their fair share.”